"If I cannot listen to the subtle manifestation of rich reality in my environment, I will necessarily try to impose my wilful codes on others. If I am not open to reality and do not obey the voice of reality, a terrible distortion takes place. Sooner or later I will turn the whole relationship around: Instead of listening to reality in people and events, I become convinced that reality in people and events should listen to me."

Luther, reformer and spiritual guide

Luther's message has a permanent value because it recalls the primacy of grace and God's unconditional love. In the Lutheran Church as in the Catholic Church, the understanding of Martin Luther has greatly evolved over the past five centuries. Today he is perceived not only as a daring reformer but also as a spiritual guide. Even if Catholics and Lutherans have learnt, especially since the Second Vatican Council, to read and interpret Luther together, the place that this historical figure occupies in each of the two Churches will never be the same for each. Read more ...